This course introduces students to German literature based on a historical perspective. Movements and styles, such as Enlightenment, Classicism, Romanticism, Biedermeier, Modernism, and Postmodernism, will serve as the focus of the course. We will explore what it means to think about literature in terms of historical concepts and the kinds of reading a historical approach produces. Texts discussed are from different genres and they range from 18th century literature to some examples of contemporary fiction. We will start with the latter and go backwards to emphasize the historicity of our endeavors. At issue here are three major themes: the construction of fictional lives, the plotting of seduction and literary discourses of nature. Readings by Daniel Kehlmann, Julia Franck, Thomas Mann, Brigitte Kronauer, Arthur Schnitzler, Adalbert Stifter, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Student learning goals

Students can expect to gain a basic historical understanding of German literature and to develop their critical thinking skills.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Stephanie N. Welch
Date: 10/14/2009

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Modified:April 23, 2014